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When I moved into my L.A. apartment, the kitchen wasn’t that bad. It had been recently renovated with new countertops and two-tone cabinetry that was white on top and blue on the bottom. I wouldn’t have chosen the light fixture or barely-there pulls, but they weren’t dealbreakers, either. I was actually grateful that the biggest challenge would be entirely up to me: Choosing the ideal runner.
There are countless contenders out there (antique ones, cushioned ones, indoor-outdoor ones), so the hunt took me longer than you’d think—and it ended in the most unexpected place: the bathroom aisle.
When I was searching for a runner that could work in my kitchen, I wanted something flat, sturdy, and striped. I figured that a hit of pattern would make my galley kitchen appear longer and slyly coordinate with the two-tone cabinetry. I also wanted a color that worked nicely with the main print on my gallery wall. That narrowed my options down to green and white, which eventually led me to this multi-purpose runner from Quiet Town.
Quiet Town Ojai Pine Bath Runner
You can find the Ojai Pine runner under the brand’s “bath rugs” section, but its qualities make it useful in a kitchen, too. It is made from 100 percent cotton that dries quickly, hides spills well, and is machine-washable. After two years, the runner still looks as good as new.
If I were ever in the market for a new kitchen rug, I would still sift through the bath mat section before cruising traditional options. These alternatives get my vote for bath mats that can moonlight in kitchens.
If You Don’t Mind a Little Fluff…
This Persian-inspired rug from West Elm has a low yet noticeable pile that would feel luxurious as you step into your kitchen for a morning coffee. From a distance, it looks convincingly antique.
If You’ve Got Tiled Kitchen Floors…
A sustainable pick by Morrow Soft Goods, this graphic bath mat has the same composition as my 100 percent cotton pick and it’s handwoven as well—two reliable details. Its minimalist pattern would look especially good against terracotta tile floors, but solid wood would be lovely, too.
If You Want to a Soft Place to Land at the Sink…
This smaller option from Anthropologie features stripes and florals in a color combination that would flatter a wide range of kitchens. It’s handwoven from polyester and cotton, so you can toss it in the laundry with all your towels when it starts looking a little grimy.
If You’re Worried About Spills and Crumbs…
For a goes-with-anything option, this runner from Brooklinen is it (although it’s pretty perfect if you have black or white cabinets). And if a stain occurs, you’ll barely notice.